Riyadh, November 28, 2024 – In a strategic move to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s port sector, the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) has signed a landmark partnership agreement with Lloyd's Register, a globally recognized leader in maritime classification and safety services. This collaboration is aimed at unifying operational and maritime procedures across Saudi ports, ensuring compliance with international standards while boosting the Kingdom’s maritime infrastructure.
The partnership is a crucial step toward the realization of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which envisions a more streamlined, efficient, and sustainable transport network. By clearly separating regulatory and operational roles in the port sector, this agreement paves the way for improved governance and performance in Saudi ports, positioning them as key players in the global maritime and logistics industry.
The agreement focuses on implementing enhanced operational procedures that will drive excellence across Saudi ports. Central to this initiative is the development of key manuals and guidelines, including a Quality and Environmental Procedures Manual that will align with internationally recognized standards, such as ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management. These standards are integral in ensuring that Saudi ports meet the highest levels of operational quality, environmental responsibility, and compliance.
Additionally, a Code of Good Practices will be developed to define clear responsibilities and execution procedures, enhancing efficiency, accountability, and organizational structure. This initiative will help streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and improve overall service delivery across Saudi ports, leading to better performance and higher customer satisfaction.
A critical component of this collaboration is the creation of a specialized technical guide, which will take into account the scope of work at Saudi ports and the most current agreements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This guide will ensure that all operations comply with the latest global maritime conventions, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading maritime hub.
The partnership also aims to secure international certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, which are recognized globally as benchmarks for quality and environmental management. These certifications will not only enhance operational efficiency and reduce operational costs but will also promote sustainability practices, reduce emissions and waste, and strengthen the reputation of Saudi ports both locally and internationally. The collaboration will ultimately improve the competitiveness of Saudi ports, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification goals.
To further support this initiative, the cooperation will include the development of comprehensive training programs for port employees. These will cover a range of specialized maritime certifications, eligibility criteria for training institutes, and awareness courses on ISO 9001:2015/ISO 14001:2015 standards, including auditing and performance indicators. This focus on professional development will help create a highly skilled workforce capable of driving continuous improvement and innovation in port operations.
The partnership also addresses the necessary regulations for maritime inspection operations, including Port State Control (PSC) and Flag State Control (FSC) checks, ensuring that Saudi ports adhere to international safety and compliance standards. Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions will support sustainable operations and enhance overall efficiency, helping Saudi ports embrace the future of maritime operations.
Lloyd’s Register, established over 260 years ago, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious maritime organizations. Originally founded as the first maritime classification society, Lloyd’s Register has grown to become a global leader in providing safety, quality, and sustainability services. With an extensive network of 81 offices worldwide and over 40,000 clients, Lloyd’s Register continues to play a key role in the global maritime and logistics economy. Its expertise and reputation make it the ideal partner for MAWANI as the Kingdom works to elevate its maritime sector to new heights.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize and optimize its ports, ensuring they are at the forefront of global maritime trade and logistics. By fostering innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, the collaboration between MAWANI and Lloyd's Register is set to transform Saudi Arabia’s port sector, enhancing its competitiveness on the world stage and contributing to the realization of the Vision 2030 objectives.